Fishing outlook — Aug. 10
Published 8:44 am Friday, August 10, 2018
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Fewer anglers were out because of the hot muggy weather and frequent storms. Those fishing the weed beds and drop-offs on the inland lakes have caught a variety including walleye, bass, pike, muskie and panfish. Salmon and trout continue to be caught in the Great Lakes. No word on salmon moving into the river systems as water temperatures are too warm.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
St. Joseph: Though salmon fishing was slow, some were still caught well past 100 feet of water. Lake trout were caught in 90 feet. Perch fishing remains slow with only a few caught in 50 to 60 feet. Pier anglers caught catfish and freshwater drum.
South Haven: Had slow salmon and steelhead action as the fish seem to be scattered and very deep. Lake trout were caught in 100 feet. Perch fishing was inconsistent however on the good days anglers were taking a fair to good number of fish in about 60 feet. The action was very good one day and poor the next. Pier anglers caught lots of freshwater drum.
Grand River at Grand Rapids: Few anglers were out because of the hot weather and the low water levels. Those fishing early morning or late evening should find some smallmouth bass or panfish. Summer steelhead were scarce.
Grand River at Lansing: Water levels were up some after the recent rains. A few channel cats were caught mostly on live bait such as crawlers, leeches and small bluegills. Longnose gar were caught at Webber Dam.
Muskegon: The salmon action slowed but anglers were still getting a few fish 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 150 feet out from Duck Lake. Lake trout were caught just off the bottom in 200 feet. Pink, orange or pink and pearl were good colors.
Muskegon Lake: Walleye were caught in 15 to 18 feet between the state park and the Bear Lake Channel. After dark, boat anglers were trolling crankbaits about 12 feet down in 18 feet. Bass have been caught everywhere including the channel with blade baits or jigging spoons. Bluegills were caught in eight to 10 feet along the east side and a few crappie were taken off the piers on the south end.
Muskegon River: Is producing some smallmouth bass. Panfish were hitting on worms and minnows. Water levels were low and clear. Hardy Dam Pond was producing bluegills, largemouth bass and a few walleyes.
Whitehall: Boats trolling 40 to 70 feet down in 70 to 130 feet caught Chinook, lake trout and the odd steelhead on meat rigs and blue or green spoons. Pier anglers caught largemouth bass and freshwater drum with spinners or soft-plastic swimbaits.
White Lake: Those fishing near the channel caught bluegills, largemouth bass and freshwater drum while drifting or still-fishing with crawlers and red worms. Boat anglers caught bluegills and yellow perch on dropper-rigs tipped with red worms or wax worms in 15 to 25 feet.